US President Barack Obama makes a statement outside the White House with the
parents of Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, who has been turned over by the Taliban
after five years in captivity

US Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl - who was captured nearly five years ago - was in "good" condition after Taliban fighters handed him over to US special operations forces at an undisclosed location in eastern Afghanistan, defence officials said.

"Sergeant Bergdahl has missed birthdays and holidays, and the simple moments with family and friends which all of us take for granted," President Barack Obama said in the White House Rose Garden, flanked by the soldier's parents Bob and Jani.

"But while Bowe was gone, he was never forgotten."

Previous attempts to free Bergdahl through a swap with the Taliban had failed. But this time, Qatar was able to secure an agreement.